Rep. John James (R-MI) is defending Flock cameras, the automated license plate-reading devices that face nationwide backlash over concerns about privacy violations, police misconduct, and false-positive errors that have led to wrongful traffic stops.

But James, the Michigan Republican gubernatorial nominee, says that their use needs guardrails to protect privacy. “Balance is the key,” as the issue becomes a flashpoint in the 2026 elections, James told the Washington Examiner earlier this month.